Quins deny Brucey a bonus
By Rob Lancaster
Last Updated: 01/01/70 1:00am
The return of Bruce Reihana couldn't stop Northampton losing 28-15 to Harlequins.
Harlequins ruined Bruce Reihana's long-awaited return from injury as they defeated struggling Northampton 28-15.
The Saints couldn't even manage to pick up a bonus point for their fit-again skipper as they conceded a late try on another frustrating afternoon in front of their own fans.
The Franklin's Gardens faithful had high hopes that the return of Reihana, back after five months on the sidelines, would help turn their fortunes around.
He tried his best, kicking two penalties, but Northampton were well beaten by a Quins team now dreaming of Heineken Cup qualification.
The only disappointment for Dean Richards' troops will be an injury to centre Stuart Abbott.
However, Andy Gomarsall's fourth-minute try gave the visitors the perfect tonic from the early setback and put them on their way to a sixth win in their last seven outings.
The scrum-half was in the right place to pick up the loose ball after Carlos Spencer's clearing kick had been charged down.
After taking their time to recover from the early setback, Saints hit back when a rolling maul got Paul Tupai over the line.
Adam Jarvis' successful conversion for Quins proved to be the difference between the two sides at the break as the referee's whistle mercifully bought the first-half to an end.
Ben Cohen was clearly keen to forget a turgid opening 40 minutes as he lit up the match with a rare moment of quality straight from the re-start.
The winger burst through two tacklers before winning a foot race with Ugo Monye to score a wonderful try not in keeping with the rest of the contest.
Reihana's conversion made it 12-7 and Northampton suddenly saw light at the end of the tunnel.
That ray of hope vanished within five minutes, though, as David Strettle went over to put Quins back in front.
Jarvis missed the conversion but was on target with two penalties to extend the advantage and leave Saints facing another home loss.
A bonus point would at least have given them something to cling onto as Reihana's second penalty left them trailing by just six in the closing stages.
But even that was too much to ask for as Steve So'oialo dived over with a minute to play to deny Brucey a bonus and leave Quins sitting pretty in sixth.
